Football

The 10 best Southampton FC shirts

FOOTBALL shirts may not be the desirable of fashion items, but all supporters have an opinion on them.

Here are the 10 best Saints shirts - do you agree, or are there other more deserving kits which should be on this list?

1976 – 1979, Home, Admiral

The candy-stripes home shirt. It perfectly walked the tightrope of being unmistakably stripes and at the same time ensuring it had nothing in common with any other club. Synonymous with Saints' return to the top flight at the end of the '70s.

A firm favourite and perhaps the design most requested each summer before Saints reveal their new kit. Rank Xerox, Air Florida and Draper Tools were the sponsors with their name plastered across the front of the shirt over the five years it graced The Dell.

The sash – a return to the roots of the club and a huge success when it was brought back to mark the club’s 125th anniversary. It stood apart as well as adorning the players as they surged to promotion from League One to the Championship. The original sash was in fact just a piece of red cloth worn over a white shirt, so could be in any direction, although the 21st century version ran from the right shoulder to the left hip.

A controversial kit, which in fact looks better now than it did at the time. The shirt is dominated by the huge Pony tick – a geometric version of the Nike swoosh – but showed that stripes don’t have to be straight forward.

Memorable moment – Le Tissier’s sublime brace againt Newcastle at The Dell live on Sky to signify his return to the starting line-up.

2001 – 2003, Home, Saints

The kit which welcomed in the new era as Saints moved to St Mary’s – but its highlight for most people will have been at The Dell in the one match it was featured in SO15. It was a return to 'normal' stripes after two years of the fat stripes with the first kit the club produced themselves.

Memorable player – James Beattie

Memorable moment – Le Tiss scoring the last league goal at The Dell

1976, Away, Admiral

The reason Saints’ fans expect to see a yellow and blue away kit is because of this shirt. It was introduced in the 70s as part of the fashion for clubs to try and emulate Brazil. On one day in May 1976, Saints did just that on the Wembley turf.

The sponsor logo was itchy and inflexible but this simple and understated design was – even with its very tight shorts. Sadly, the football at the time was also quite simple – but at least the kit saw a march to Wembley for the Zenith Data Systems Cup final, although we wore a fetching blue number for the final.

Memorable player – Alan Shearer

Memorable moment – A topsy-turvey 4-3 which Saints lost on the final day – but kept Oldham up against all the odds.

1962 – 1972, Home, Toomers

From 1950 until 1976, there were no huge changes in the Saints kit other than changes to the collar. Prior to 1950, the club played in navy shorts and had worn red and white stripes since halves were ditched in 1896 prior to the move to The Dell, but ultimately the stripes and shirts stayed the same – the kit was functional rather than anything else. This simplicity made this shirt great. For these 10 years, it had a simple round collar, which changed from white to red.

Memorable player – Ron Davies

Memorable moment – Saints gaining promotion to the top flight for the first time

1995 - 1997, Saints, Pony

A far more straightforward design than its predecessor, this shirt was light weight and modern feeling - which basically meant it was made of nylon. The collar would never stand up - as it should have if you wanted to emulate the Cantona inspired fashion of the time - but regardless, it certainly looked decent, even with the huge red shield around the badge.

Memorable player - Egil Ostenstad

Memorable moment - Smashing nine goals past Man United in two games.

2003 (UEFA Cup), Home, Saints

Very much a shirt of two halves. The front looks superb and the thin stripes make it different to any Saints shirt before or since. However, the rear was an abomination – solid red to allow for bizarre UEFA rules about numbers on ‘hard to read’ stripes to placate short sighted commentators the continent over. The front looked superb, but the rear made us look like a low rent Arsenal. Sadly, was only worn once as Saints crashed out to Steua Bucharest over two legs.

Memorable player - Kevin Phillips

Memorable moment - Welcoming back European football to Hampshire

Bonus- Man United, Away, 1996, Adidas

Always certain to raise a smile from Saints fans for an emphatic 3-1 win! The first minute or so of the video below may remind you why. In fact, you may also enjoy the match featured afterwards as well...

Think my favourite home shirt is the the one between 2001-2003, but must admit (flack jacket on... !) I reckon this years Black Away shirt is cracking !

[quote][p][bold]Santa Retfordia[/bold] wrote:
I think I like the current one the best.
*Troll*[/p][/quote]Think my favourite home shirt is the the one between 2001-2003, but must admit (flack jacket on... !) I reckon this years Black Away shirt is cracking !SaintBobbert

Actually, I never gave it much thought at the time but whenever I see pictures of our last Championship season my first thought is "What a beautiful, beautiful kit". It was so simple and free of clutter that it had a real elegance about it.

*Ponce*

Actually, I never gave it much thought at the time but whenever I see pictures of our last Championship season my first thought is "What a beautiful, beautiful kit". It was so simple and free of clutter that it had a real elegance about it.
*Ponce*Santa Retfordia

The Patrick 80-85 kit is my all time favourite, followed by the kit in the last championship season and the 2003-2005 kit with the stripes and all red sleeves.

Please Echo - step up the campaign to rid us of these all red monstrosities. If the club is dead serious about our history, they'll be sure to listen.

The Patrick 80-85 kit is my all time favourite, followed by the kit in the last championship season and the 2003-2005 kit with the stripes and all red sleeves.
Please Echo - step up the campaign to rid us of these all red monstrosities. If the club is dead serious about our history, they'll be sure to listen.White and red till dead

the rank xerox kit DEFINITLY . we all want a return of the early 80s kit , dont we ? best kit EVER

I think im in the minority when i say - I dont want stripes for southampton

the 80s kits or the 125 anniversary kit was lovely ... but no stripes please

the rank xerox kit DEFINITLY . we all want a return of the early 80s kit , dont we ? best kit EVER
I think im in the minority when i say - I dont want stripes for southampton
the 80s kits or the 125 anniversary kit was lovely ... but no stripes pleasejasons odd

miltonarcher wrote:
Anything but the current kit, the worst in our history, if you bought it, you are a complete ---- fill in the blanks! Brink back the stripes!!!!!!!!!

Bit harsh that Miltonarcher. I like the stripes...and believe they will be back. But slating fellow fans for buying Club merchandise is a bit low mate.

[quote][p][bold]miltonarcher[/bold] wrote:
Anything but the current kit, the worst in our history, if you bought it, you are a complete ---- fill in the blanks! Brink back the stripes!!!!!!!!![/p][/quote]Bit harsh that Miltonarcher. I like the stripes...and believe they will be back. But slating fellow fans for buying Club merchandise is a bit low mate.Baddesley Bill

miltonarcher wrote:
Anything but the current kit, the worst in our history, if you bought it, you are a complete ---- fill in the blanks! Brink back the stripes!!!!!!!!!

I bought one for my three-year-old boy, as I will every year until he turns 18 when he'll have the most amazing document of his childhood and our history all in a box together. I'm going to continue buying them regardless of whether the stripes return.

(And yes, I'm aware that when he turns 18 he'll more than likely tell me he hates football and wants to study ballet or something but it's a nice thought all the same, isn't it?)

[quote][p][bold]miltonarcher[/bold] wrote:
Anything but the current kit, the worst in our history, if you bought it, you are a complete ---- fill in the blanks! Brink back the stripes!!!!!!!!![/p][/quote]I bought one for my three-year-old boy, as I will every year until he turns 18 when he'll have the most amazing document of his childhood and our history all in a box together. I'm going to continue buying them regardless of whether the stripes return.
(And yes, I'm aware that when he turns 18 he'll more than likely tell me he hates football and wants to study ballet or something but it's a nice thought all the same, isn't it?)Santa Retfordia

jasons odd wrote:
the rank xerox kit DEFINITLY . we all want a return of the early 80s kit , dont we ? best kit EVER

I think im in the minority when i say - I dont want stripes for southampton

the 80s kits or the 125 anniversary kit was lovely ... but no stripes please

Rank Xerox was the best ever kit. I have a replica Air Florida top, if they brought the old style kit back I would buy one. Don't like the currant kit.

[quote][p][bold]jasons odd[/bold] wrote:
the rank xerox kit DEFINITLY . we all want a return of the early 80s kit , dont we ? best kit EVER
I think im in the minority when i say - I dont want stripes for southampton
the 80s kits or the 125 anniversary kit was lovely ... but no stripes please[/p][/quote]Rank Xerox was the best ever kit. I have a replica Air Florida top, if they brought the old style kit back I would buy one. Don't like the currant kit.Rank Xerox

miltonarcher wrote:
Anything but the current kit, the worst in our history, if you bought it, you are a complete ---- fill in the blanks! Brink back the stripes!!!!!!!!!

Totally agree with you here. We are southampton , were stripes. **** to this plain red crap.

[quote][p][bold]miltonarcher[/bold] wrote:
Anything but the current kit, the worst in our history, if you bought it, you are a complete ---- fill in the blanks! Brink back the stripes!!!!!!!!![/p][/quote]Totally agree with you here. We are southampton , were stripes. **** to this plain red crap.red/whitearmy

miltonarcher wrote:
Anything but the current kit, the worst in our history, if you bought it, you are a complete ---- fill in the blanks! Brink back the stripes!!!!!!!!!

I bought one for my three-year-old boy, as I will every year until he turns 18 when he'll have the most amazing document of his childhood and our history all in a box together. I'm going to continue buying them regardless of whether the stripes return.

(And yes, I'm aware that when he turns 18 he'll more than likely tell me he hates football and wants to study ballet or something but it's a nice thought all the same, isn't it?)

My dad bought me my shirts over the past lots of seasons and been bought up with red n white stripes. Since the all red crap we have kept our money. Tradition goes a long way and the kit is one of them. We have both refused to get the all red crap because that is not saints colours , just a different one under cortese's plan. Return to stripes and we will be back buying them. the stripes represent saints as a club.

[quote][p][bold]Santa Retfordia[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]miltonarcher[/bold] wrote:
Anything but the current kit, the worst in our history, if you bought it, you are a complete ---- fill in the blanks! Brink back the stripes!!!!!!!!![/p][/quote]I bought one for my three-year-old boy, as I will every year until he turns 18 when he'll have the most amazing document of his childhood and our history all in a box together. I'm going to continue buying them regardless of whether the stripes return.
(And yes, I'm aware that when he turns 18 he'll more than likely tell me he hates football and wants to study ballet or something but it's a nice thought all the same, isn't it?)[/p][/quote]My dad bought me my shirts over the past lots of seasons and been bought up with red n white stripes. Since the all red crap we have kept our money. Tradition goes a long way and the kit is one of them. We have both refused to get the all red crap because that is not saints colours , just a different one under cortese's plan. Return to stripes and we will be back buying them. the stripes represent saints as a club.red/whitearmy

jasons odd wrote:
the rank xerox kit DEFINITLY . we all want a return of the early 80s kit , dont we ? best kit EVER

I think im in the minority when i say - I dont want stripes for southampton

the 80s kits or the 125 anniversary kit was lovely ... but no stripes please

Rank Xerox was the best ever kit. I have a replica Air Florida top, if they brought the old style kit back I would buy one. Don't like the currant kit.

I'm not very keen either, but wouldn't compare it to dried fruit for cake making! I grew to like the narrow pinstripes after a while.

[quote][p][bold]Rank Xerox[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]jasons odd[/bold] wrote:
the rank xerox kit DEFINITLY . we all want a return of the early 80s kit , dont we ? best kit EVER
I think im in the minority when i say - I dont want stripes for southampton
the 80s kits or the 125 anniversary kit was lovely ... but no stripes please[/p][/quote]Rank Xerox was the best ever kit. I have a replica Air Florida top, if they brought the old style kit back I would buy one. Don't like the currant kit.[/p][/quote]I'm not very keen either, but wouldn't compare it to dried fruit for cake making! I grew to like the narrow pinstripes after a while.North Wales Saint

miltonarcher wrote: Anything but the current kit, the worst in our history, if you bought it, you are a complete ---- fill in the blanks! Brink back the stripes!!!!!!!!!

I bought one for my three-year-old boy, as I will every year until he turns 18 when he'll have the most amazing document of his childhood and our history all in a box together. I'm going to continue buying them regardless of whether the stripes return. (And yes, I'm aware that when he turns 18 he'll more than likely tell me he hates football and wants to study ballet or something but it's a nice thought all the same, isn't it?)

My dad bought me my shirts over the past lots of seasons and been bought up with red n white stripes. Since the all red crap we have kept our money. Tradition goes a long way and the kit is one of them. We have both refused to get the all red crap because that is not saints colours , just a different one under cortese's plan. Return to stripes and we will be back buying them. the stripes represent saints as a club.

Fairs dos. Personally, I'm not that hung up on the stripes. Don't get me wrong: I'd have no qualms about them coming back and think they more than likely will next season, but I also like people thinking a bit differently every now and again. It shows imagination.

On a slightly different tack, is it just me or does anyone else think the training kit available this year is the absolute tits? I've got a red trackie top with a hood and the three stripes down the side which I think might be the best piece of clothing I've ever owned. God bless Adidas. I can't wait to see what they do with our kit next year when they're given a proper shot at it, rather than some last minute rush job after the Red Bull deal was (100% rightly) called off.

[quote][p][bold]red/whitearmy[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Santa Retfordia[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]miltonarcher[/bold] wrote: Anything but the current kit, the worst in our history, if you bought it, you are a complete ---- fill in the blanks! Brink back the stripes!!!!!!!!![/p][/quote]I bought one for my three-year-old boy, as I will every year until he turns 18 when he'll have the most amazing document of his childhood and our history all in a box together. I'm going to continue buying them regardless of whether the stripes return. (And yes, I'm aware that when he turns 18 he'll more than likely tell me he hates football and wants to study ballet or something but it's a nice thought all the same, isn't it?)[/p][/quote]My dad bought me my shirts over the past lots of seasons and been bought up with red n white stripes. Since the all red crap we have kept our money. Tradition goes a long way and the kit is one of them. We have both refused to get the all red crap because that is not saints colours , just a different one under cortese's plan. Return to stripes and we will be back buying them. the stripes represent saints as a club.[/p][/quote]Fairs dos. Personally, I'm not that hung up on the stripes. Don't get me wrong: I'd have no qualms about them coming back and think they more than likely will next season, but I also like people thinking a bit differently every now and again. It shows imagination.
On a slightly different tack, is it just me or does anyone else think the training kit available this year is the absolute tits? I've got a red trackie top with a hood and the three stripes down the side which I think might be the best piece of clothing I've ever owned. God bless Adidas. I can't wait to see what they do with our kit next year when they're given a proper shot at it, rather than some last minute rush job after the Red Bull deal was (100% rightly) called off.Santa Retfordia

jasons odd wrote:
the rank xerox kit DEFINITLY . we all want a return of the early 80s kit , dont we ? best kit EVER

I think im in the minority when i say - I dont want stripes for southampton

the 80s kits or the 125 anniversary kit was lovely ... but no stripes please

Rank Xerox was the best ever kit. I have a replica Air Florida top, if they brought the old style kit back I would buy one. Don't like the currant kit.

I'm not very keen either, but wouldn't compare it to dried fruit for cake making! I grew to like the narrow pinstripes after a while.

You can't raisin with some people.

[quote][p][bold]North Wales Saint[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Rank Xerox[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]jasons odd[/bold] wrote:
the rank xerox kit DEFINITLY . we all want a return of the early 80s kit , dont we ? best kit EVER
I think im in the minority when i say - I dont want stripes for southampton
the 80s kits or the 125 anniversary kit was lovely ... but no stripes please[/p][/quote]Rank Xerox was the best ever kit. I have a replica Air Florida top, if they brought the old style kit back I would buy one. Don't like the currant kit.[/p][/quote]I'm not very keen either, but wouldn't compare it to dried fruit for cake making! I grew to like the narrow pinstripes after a while.[/p][/quote]You can't raisin with some people.Santa Retfordia

White and red till dead wrote:
The Patrick 80-85 kit is my all time favourite, followed by the kit in the last championship season and the 2003-2005 kit with the stripes and all red sleeves.

Please Echo - step up the campaign to rid us of these all red monstrosities. If the club is dead serious about our history, they'll be sure to listen.

Absolutely right. The acronym CRISIS could be adopted. campaign for the retention of saints in stripes! It is a fact that saints' best football has been played in unconventional non stripey kits. Patrick Keegan era, Pony post Branfoot, Diagonal sash renaissance after nearly folding and now those bloody awful all red jobs of the modern age. I think therefore a Patrick type nod is the best compromise.

[quote][p][bold]White and red till dead[/bold] wrote:
The Patrick 80-85 kit is my all time favourite, followed by the kit in the last championship season and the 2003-2005 kit with the stripes and all red sleeves.
Please Echo - step up the campaign to rid us of these all red monstrosities. If the club is dead serious about our history, they'll be sure to listen.[/p][/quote]Absolutely right. The acronym CRISIS could be adopted. campaign for the retention of saints in stripes! It is a fact that saints' best football has been played in unconventional non stripey kits. Patrick Keegan era, Pony post Branfoot, Diagonal sash renaissance after nearly folding and now those bloody awful all red jobs of the modern age. I think therefore a Patrick type nod is the best compromise.Milton the Springer

The best kity Saints have ever had, and the only footie kit my wife thinks looks good on me, is the 125 th anniversary away kit. I bought 8, in different sizes, and they are the dogs. I plan never to wear anything else to watch Saints in till I die, which statistically will be about 30 years.

Internationally, the River Plate (yes, I know it's Argentia, but River Plate are the sworn enemies of Boca Juniors, who were Maradona's club and who play in blue) kit from 2004 is sensational.

Oh, and I love the Barcelona UNICEF one, where they actually paid UNICEF to use their logo to help the world's poor. Now, that's class - even if it didn't last very long.

The best kity Saints have ever had, and the only footie kit my wife thinks looks good on me, is the 125 th anniversary away kit. I bought 8, in different sizes, and they are the dogs. I plan never to wear anything else to watch Saints in till I die, which statistically will be about 30 years.
Internationally, the River Plate (yes, I know it's Argentia, but River Plate are the sworn enemies of Boca Juniors, who were Maradona's club and who play in blue) kit from 2004 is sensational.
Oh, and I love the Barcelona UNICEF one, where they actually paid UNICEF to use their logo to help the world's poor. Now, that's class - even if it didn't last very long.Tony in Liberia

[quote][p][bold]jasons odd[/bold] wrote:
the rank xerox kit DEFINITLY . we all want a return of the early 80s kit , dont we ? best kit EVER
I think im in the minority when i say - I dont want stripes for southampton
the 80s kits or the 125 anniversary kit was lovely ... but no stripes please[/p][/quote]think you'll find the rank xerox kit was stripes - just really thick ones :-)White and red till dead

THE AWAY KIT IS SMART - SO ARE OUR IMMENSE AWAY SUPPORTERS.
IT'S TIME WE DISHED OUT A HAMMERING - TODAY SHOULD BE THAT DAY.
WE FIGHT FOR THE WIN. THE HOME SUPPORTERS DEMAND A RESULT.
RED LION - PRINCE OF WALES - KING ALFRED.
RED ARMY 2014. FIGHT AND WIN. COYR.REDARMYRULETHESOUTH

There's only one 'H' in 'Ampshire wrote:
As an actual shirt, I think last years pin stripe is the nicest looking we've every had, very elegant...

but Saints it ain't

We need to bring back the stripes

RED AND WHITE ARMY.

WE HATE POMPEY.

COYR.

[quote][p][bold]There's only one 'H' in 'Ampshire[/bold] wrote:
As an actual shirt, I think last years pin stripe is the nicest looking we've every had, very elegant...
but Saints it ain't
We need to bring back the stripes[/p][/quote]RED AND WHITE ARMY.
WE HATE POMPEY.
COYR.REDARMYRULETHESOUTH

I don't like the current kit, but it's better than the 1985 red kit with white shoulder pads (the Gerry Forrest kit) and the horrible, horrible Denmark kit of 1987. I don't buy the shirts anymore, so I'm only vaguely interested to know whether they are good or bad whenever they change them.

I don't like the current kit, but it's better than the 1985 red kit with white shoulder pads (the Gerry Forrest kit) and the horrible, horrible Denmark kit of 1987. I don't buy the shirts anymore, so I'm only vaguely interested to know whether they are good or bad whenever they change them.IOAD

Tony in Liberia wrote:
The best kity Saints have ever had, and the only footie kit my wife thinks looks good on me, is the 125 th anniversary away kit. I bought 8, in different sizes, and they are the dogs. I plan never to wear anything else to watch Saints in till I die, which statistically will be about 30 years.

Internationally, the River Plate (yes, I know it's Argentia, but River Plate are the sworn enemies of Boca Juniors, who were Maradona's club and who play in blue) kit from 2004 is sensational.

Oh, and I love the Barcelona UNICEF one, where they actually paid UNICEF to use their logo to help the world's poor. Now, that's class - even if it didn't last very long.

Agree Tony. Im wearing mine today.

[quote][p][bold]Tony in Liberia[/bold] wrote:
The best kity Saints have ever had, and the only footie kit my wife thinks looks good on me, is the 125 th anniversary away kit. I bought 8, in different sizes, and they are the dogs. I plan never to wear anything else to watch Saints in till I die, which statistically will be about 30 years.
Internationally, the River Plate (yes, I know it's Argentia, but River Plate are the sworn enemies of Boca Juniors, who were Maradona's club and who play in blue) kit from 2004 is sensational.
Oh, and I love the Barcelona UNICEF one, where they actually paid UNICEF to use their logo to help the world's poor. Now, that's class - even if it didn't last very long.[/p][/quote]Agree Tony. Im wearing mine today.mack chinnon

Think my favourite home shirt is the the one between 2001-2003, but must admit (flack jacket on... !) I reckon this years Black Away shirt is cracking !

Oh! I do so agree!!

The stripes and the white socks makes my tummy flutter with excitement. The stripes are Saints for sure and the white socks look outstanding for an outstanding team. Bring it on or at least bring it back - please, please!!

[quote][p][bold]SaintBobbert[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Santa Retfordia[/bold] wrote:
I think I like the current one the best.
*Troll*[/p][/quote]Think my favourite home shirt is the the one between 2001-2003, but must admit (flack jacket on... !) I reckon this years Black Away shirt is cracking ![/p][/quote]Oh! I do so agree!!
The stripes and the white socks makes my tummy flutter with excitement. The stripes are Saints for sure and the white socks look outstanding for an outstanding team. Bring it on or at least bring it back - please, please!!saintbobby

rawcask wrote:
My favorites are the Rank Xerox and the 125th anniversary shirts!
Where can one get the retro Rank Xerox shirt?

Mark

Try www.classicfootballs
hirts.co.uk mate

[quote][p][bold]rawcask[/bold] wrote:
My favorites are the Rank Xerox and the 125th anniversary shirts!
Where can one get the retro Rank Xerox shirt?
Mark[/p][/quote]Try www.classicfootballs
hirts.co.uk mateSaintJoeBhoy

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